Best Italian restaurant in Charlotte

Aqua E Vino is an Italian restaurant in Charlotte, NC, offering a unique dining experience inspired by traditional Northern Italy boutique restaurants. Chef Gabriele Grigolon, a trained Italian chef, opened Aqua E Vino to bring the intimacy of his hometown's small local restaurants to Charlotte. He draws from his extensive career experience in Paris, Milan, Monte Carlo, and the USA to select the freshest local produce and global purveyors of rare foods and delicacies. The menu changes daily to capture the season and the sensibilities of contemporary life in Charlotte. Aqua E Vino's menu features traditional and creative Italian dishes, with a focus on fresh pasta and seafood. The restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free options, including homemade gluten-free pasta, and has a knowledgeable staff trained to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. The restaurant is known for its exceptional service, wine list, and ambiance, making it a popular choice for special occasions and romantic evenings.

Ardente is a Roman-inspired Italian restaurant in Charlotte's Dilworth neighborhood that offers handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and local and imported meats. The restaurant is built on the foundation of Mano Bella, a company founded by the same family, and it carries forward the same approach of making everything from scratch using high-quality ingredients. Ardente's menu is inspired by Central Italian cooking and features simple dishes that are cooked over fire, including wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, and seasonal vegetables. Ardente's philosophy is centered around the idea that if a dish is not good enough on its own, it doesn't deserve to be on the plate. This means that the restaurant uses fewer ingredients and focuses on showcasing each component's unique flavor and texture. The menu is designed to be simple and uncomplicated, with a focus on letting the quality of the ingredients shine through. The restaurant's chefs, Raffaele Patrizi and Madison Patrizi, have a deep understanding of Italian cuisine and work closely with local farmers and artisans to source the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Ardente is a unique and authentic Italian restaurant that offers a genuine Roman dining experience in the heart of Charlotte. The restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques sets it apart from other Italian restaurants in the area. Whether you're in the mood for a classic wood-fired pizza or a handmade pasta dish, Ardente is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Italian meal.